Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday urged people to wear masks while going out of their homes and appealed to former defence health services personnel, retired nurses and ward boys to join the "war" against coronavirus.
Amidst growing COVID-19 cases in the state, especially in Mumbai, the city civic body on Wednesday made wearing of masks at public places compulsory and warned of arrest under Indian Penal Code Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) for flouting its order.
In his address to the state via live webcast, Thackeray regretted the inconvenience caused to citizens due to the lockdown, but said "we don't have any other option".
"In Wuhan (epicentre of coronavirus in China), restrictions are being lifted after 70 to 75 days following restoration of normalcy. If we are also cautious, the situation will improve," he said.
Appealing citizens to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic, he said, "People should inculcate the habit of using homemade masks while stepping out of their homes to buy essentials now, and also later when the situation improves."
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